Why the Importance of Women in Leadership Roles Can No Longer Be Ignored

When even artificial intelligence struggles to picture women in power, it’s clear- the world still has work to do.

In recent news, the Global CEO of Chanel, Leena Nair, asked ChatGPT to generate an image of her leadership team. What appeared on the screen was shocking for her and the whole world.

The image comes- a group of men in dark suits, confidently staring at the camera.

What was shocking was that there was not a single woman.

The irony?

Chanel’s workforce has 76% WOMEN and 96% OF ITS CUSTOMERS ARE WOMEN TOO. This incident turned that moment into a message- “It’s a reminder for us that how deeply bias still runs- even inside our algorithms.”

That single picture brings a harsh reality that we still struggle to confront. Even in 2025, our idea of leadership is often imagined or pictured in masculine terms. But the reality is something different!

Today, women are leading transformation with clarity, empathy and courage across boardrooms, communities and everywhere. That’s the primary reason why you need to comprehend the importance of women in leadership roles, as it’s time to redefine what leadership looks like!

The Power Shift- Redefining What Leadership Looks Like

Once, leadership was measured by power, authority and control. But now that definition has completely changed. In today’s dynamic workplaces, leadership is all about empathy, adaptability and collaboration- qualities that empower.

Traits like

• Emotional Intelligence
• Resilience
• Active listening

Were once dismissed as “soft skills”. However, these skills have now become the foundation of effective leadership.

Research from INTOO showed us the importance of women in leadership roles. The research found that organisations led by women experience stronger trust and communication, which makes teams more cohesive and productive. This reflects that the world doesn’t need more leaders- it needs a new kind of leadership. And women are showing us what that actually looks like.

Also Read- Breaking Barriers, Leading Change: Women in Leadership Changing the Game

Facts Speak- Why Women Leaders Drive Better Outcomes

When emotions build a connection, facts seal the case. Global studies shed light on this- the importance of women in leadership roles is not theoretical- it’s measurable.

According to McKinsey & Company’s report, women's representation at

• Entry-Level- 48% positions
• Manager Level- 39% positions
• Vice President Level- 34% positions
• C-Suite Level- 29% positions

Companies that actually understand the importance of women in leadership roles report higher retention, innovation as well as employee well-being.

Here is a quick comparison for you-

This is clear- when women lead, they don’t just perform- they evolve.

Challenges that Still Hold Women Back

Understanding the importance of women in leadership roles is not easy, as there are numerous challenges present. These include-

1. Gender Bias and Stereotyping

A persistent challenge stands in the form of gender bias and stereotypes that surround women leaders. Women in leadership roles are often judged way more harsher than male leaders even after they have proven their success and capability.

2. Lack of Representation

Another challenge that lies is the lack of representation and role models in senior positions. The limited number of women in leadership positions creates a cycle where almost all female leaders miss out on proper mentoring and visible role models. This makes it very challenging for them to envision or even pursue a leadership path.

3. Work-Life Balance

That is one of many major issues, especially when there are certain societal norms set around caregiving roles. Many women often get stuck between both career-related responsibilities and their commitment towards their family. This limits them from being available to pursue career advancement opportunities.

Transformative Impact- When Women Lead, Change Follows

When women rise to leadership positions, the effects spread far beyond profitability. They foster cultures of trust, fairness and vision - qualities that build not only better businesses but ultimately, better societies.

Here is what happens when women lead-

• Innovation accelerates
• Risk management improves
• Social outcomes strengthen
• Ethics take centre stage

This clearly means that every woman who leads doesn’t just break the ceiling but also lifts the roof for others to rise.

The Leadership Revolution- From Bias to Balance

We are standing on the edge where the world demands leaders who not only give command but also connect.

Now, many universities introduce leadership education by recognising the importance of women in leadership roles to empower them. This learning builds-

• Identity confidence
• Cross-gender allyship
• Flexible, inclusive workplaces

The future not only depends on one gender’s dominance but on balance.

The Future of Leadership Begins Here- Discover BML Munjal University’s Women-in-Leadership (WIL) Programme

At BML Munjal University, we not only teach leadership but also let you experience it and embody it so that you can evolve into a better version of yourself. The university understands that the first step toward gender-balanced leadership is education that goes beyond textbooks and titles.

So, BMU created the Women-in-Leadership (WIL) programmes- immersive learning experiences that prepare women to lead with confidence, competence and compassion.

Explore the WIL Programmes at BMU-

Whether you are an aspiring manager, a senior executive, an educator or an entrepreneur, BML Munjal University provides customised paths to match leadership growth at every stage.

• WIL Flagship- For mid-level managers seeking career advancement
• WIL Ascent- For women educators stepping into leadership roles
• WIL Ignite & WIL Ignite Retreat- For senior women executives aiming to enhance influence and impact
• WIL Wise- For women entrepreneurs driving growth and innovation

Every programme is taught by respected faculty and industry experts who bring decades of experience from global organisations and leading institutes.

Also Read- Best Women Leadership Programmes in India

Conclusion

Remember the image that Leena Nair shared- a male leadership team generated by AI. That wasn’t just an error- it was a self-portrait. A reminder that we still have some rewriting to do in our definition of power.

The importance of women in leadership roles is dependent on that very rewriting- that they are transforming boardrooms, classrooms and community perspectives to reflect the world we actually live in. A world where leadership doesn’t look like a suit, it looks like compassion, vision and integrity.

Ready to be part of this change? Explore Women-in-Leadership (WIL) programmes at BML Munjal University that help you build confidence and lead authentically in the workplaces of tomorrow.